Ak 47 performance characteristics and main parts. Kalashnikov assault rifle: history of creation and specifications

Even during the First World War, it became clear that the fire density of the rifle squad, created with the help of rifles and carbines, was insufficient.

There was a need for individual infantry soldiers to have personal rapid-fire weapons.

This problem was solved with the creation of submachine guns and machine guns. Second World War spawned many various designs automatic weapons, among which it should be noted.

However, by the end of the war, there was a need to create a new weapon, which was solved by the introduction of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

How did the first Kalashnikov assault rifle appear?

In 1943 Technical advice conducted a study of the German machine gun MKb.42 (H), created under the Wehrmacht cartridge 7.92 × 33 mm. The German experience and the experience of the American designers who created the M1 Carbine carbine were recognized as successful.

Before Soviet designers the question of creating a similar weapon was raised.

After several attempts to create a universal cartridge, the specialists settled on the 7.62 × 39 caliber. Its creators were the designers N.M. Elizarov and B.V. Semin. Under this cartridge, the designer Sudayev developed the AS-44 assault rifle, which went into a small series.

The assault rifle passed army tests, but the military recommended that the design be finalized by reducing the overall weight of the assault rifle. The death of Sudayev stopped work on this design.

The need to create weapons required a new round of the competition, in which in 1946 the first Kalashnikov assault rifle was shown. Following the results of two stages, this machine was declared unusable, but the designer managed to achieve the right to refine it.

After completion in 1947, the machine still did not meet the necessary requirements, but it was better than the others presented in the competition.

Kalashnikov was sent to Izhevsk, where, after refinement, the famous machine gun of the 1947 model of the year appeared, which determined the development of automatic weapons on the planet for decades.

The question of who invented the Kalashnikov assault rifle does not have such an unambiguous answer as it seems.

It is hard to believe that a not very literate Komsomol member was able to create an effective military weapon.

Designer Mikhail Timofeevich Kalashnikov claimed that the idea of ​​​​creating a new machine gun came to him after reading a book about small arms. But it is one thing to think, and quite another to create it.

On the other hand, as a Komsomol leader, Mikhail Timofeevich was quite suitable for the role of a wedding general.

Recall that this was Alexei Stakhanov earlier, to whom the entire production of the brigade was recorded.

The layout scheme and technical solutions used in the Ak-47 Kalashnikov assault rifle are in many ways similar to the German submachine gun, as well as the MP-40 created by a group of German specialists.

Automatic model 1946

The Kalashnikov AK-46 assault rifle itself was a very crude and intermediate version.

It was rather a transitional model from the Shpagin submachine gun, which was most common at that time in the Soviet (Red) Army, to the weapon that became familiar to everyone under the name AK-47.

It contained many shortcomings, but it was a necessary step towards the subsequent constructive breakthrough. Consider this weapon in more detail.

What was the scheme and device

Since the original automaton was quite different from the sample we are used to, it is interesting to know what these differences were:

1. The cocking handle was located on the left, not on the right. The location was changed at the suggestion of the state commission, since when crawling, the handle would rest against the stomach;
2. The presence of a separate fuse;
3. The lever for transferring fire from single to firing bursts was a separate device;
4. Folding trigger mechanism on a hairpin.

The bolt carrier with a rigidly fixed gas piston appeared during refinement at the Kovrov plant before the second round of the competition.

Her appearance dramatically improved the tactical specifications, so to the question of how the Kalashnikov assault rifle works, the answer is simple - due to the energy of the discharged powder gases.

A similar device could have been copied from the Bulkin assault rifle that participated in the competition.

The structure of the machine gun for firing in bursts was changed - the fuse was combined with the transfer lever, which greatly simplified the design, making it clearer to the fighters.

What technical characteristics did the AK-46 have

1. Cartridge caliber 7.62 × 41 sample 1943;
2. Barrel 450 mm long;
3. The total length of the machine is 950 millimeters;
4. Magazine with a capacity of 30 rounds + 1 round in the barrel;
5. The mass of the machine without taking into account the mass of cartridges is 4.328 kilograms;
6. Sighting range shooting 0.8 kilometers.

How the AK-47 and AKS were created

After the second round, held in 1946, the commission made a decision that said that none of the automata submitted for the competition, even after improvements, does not meet the required characteristics.

In terms of performance characteristics (TTX), the automatic machine created by the designer Bulkin came closest to the necessary requirements. However, for reasons of simplicity and affordability of manufacture, and perhaps for some other reasons, it was decided to finalize the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

To bring weapons to desired characteristics the Kalashnikov-Zaitsev design team was sent to Izhevsk. Then a group of well-known German designers worked at the Izhevsk arms factory.

Among them was the famous Hugo Schmeisser, who at one time designed many samples of automatic and assault weapons. His weapons were successfully used by the Wehrmacht on various fronts of the Second World War.

It is not known whether the Germans collaborated with the creators of the new machine gun, but it was very different from the one provided earlier.

The machine itself was originally produced with a wooden butt. However, for special troops it was inconvenient, primarily because of the length of the weapon, so a modification was created for them that reduced the dimensions of the product.

The wooden butt was replaced with a metal one, the latter being able to fold. This modification of weapons was called the Kalashnikov folding assault rifle (AKS). It was possible to go into battle with this weapon right after a parachute jump, without laying out the butt.

What performance characteristics did the AK-47 have

Consider the performance characteristics of the Kalashnikov assault rifle of the 1947 model. It should be noted here that the table itself is given for the base model. The folding version practically does not differ from it, with the exception of the mass. It is lighter by 400 grams and shorter by 2 millimeters.

1. The caliber of the weapon is 7.62 mm.
2. The cartridge used for firing is 7.62x39 mm;
3. The total length of the machine is 870 millimeters;
4. The length of the stem part is 415 millimeters;
5. The weight of the machine, excluding cartridges, is 4.3 kilograms;
6. The total mass of cartridges - 576 grams;
7. Total weight with cartridges - 4.876 kilograms;
8. Maximum firing range - 0.8 kilometers;
9. Rate of fire - 600 rounds per minute;
10. Burst rate - 400 rounds per minute;
11. Rate of fire with single shots - from 90 to 100 rounds per minute;
12. The initial speed of the bullet is -715 m / s (2500 km / h);
13. The number of cartridges in the store - 30 pieces.

How did the modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM) appear?

In the early fifties, the designer German Korobov presented to the court of specialists and the army leadership new sample infantry weapons automatic TKB-517.

This weapon had better accuracy, less weight compared to the AK-47. The mere fact that the production of TKB-517 was cheaper meant a lot. Considering the best technical and tactical characteristics of the newly presented model, it was clear that the time had come for a new weapon.

However, the army leadership and government Soviet Union decided not to radically change the production technology (as well as to debunk the designer's exaggerated glory) and made it possible for Kalashnikov to modernize his version of the weapon.

This is how the modernized AKM Kalashnikov assault rifle appeared.

In the new version, the buttstock turned out to be slightly raised compared to the original, which brought the point of emphasis of the butt against the shoulder closer to the line of the shot. Sighting range was increased to one kilometer.

In addition, on the basis of AKM, a unified with it light machine gun, called the RPK.

Is it possible to install a bayonet-knife

On the first models of the AK-47, the installation of a bayonet-knife was not provided. This fact indirectly proves the participation of German weapons designers in the work on weapons.

The fact is that during the Second World War, the Nazi weapons did not provide for the possibility of attaching additional edged weapons. The German infantryman had to be able to use weapons in such a way as to hit the enemy with a bullet.

Infantry soldiers were simply practically not trained in techniques hand-to-hand combat.

However, in the future, AK received a blade two hundred millimeters long, which was attached to the gas chamber. He possessed a double blade and fuller.

The appearance of AKM also changed the design of additional weapons.

Instead of a double blade, a single blade appeared with a file on the other side.

The length of the blade has decreased to 150 millimeters. Got a bayonet more possibilities use in the economic field for the needs of the soldier.

How the 1974 AK-74 came about

In the early seventies of the last century, the armies of potential opponents (NATO) began to massively switch in their automatic weapons from the usual rifle caliber to a lightweight unified cartridge with a caliber of 5.56 mm.

There was an urgent need for the armies of the Warsaw Pact countries and the Soviet Union to take a step in the same direction. The 5.45 mm caliber was called to replace the rifle cartridge.

He had sufficient lethal force, but had less weight and was less expensive to manufacture. The total weight of eight wearable ammunition has decreased by 1400 grams.

The new version of the assault rifle has a 100-meter long direct-shot range, a magazine made of durable plastic. Thanks to the new muzzle brake, the grouping and accuracy of combat increased.

What myths and misconceptions are pursued by the Kalashnikov assault rifle

Main myth regarding this type of weapon, it is talk that this machine gun is the best on Earth. In fact, on the planet, and in Russia, there are many types small arms, superior in its characteristics to "Kalash", you can recall the same "Abakan".

The second myth is that the machine was designed personally by Mikhail Timofeevich. In reality, the help of the designer Zaitsev was simply invaluable, in addition to this, a whole group of designers also worked on the weapon. We cannot exclude the work of German specialists led by Hugo Schmeisser.

Be that as it may, the Kalashnikov assault rifle was, is and will remain a legend glorifying the Russian designers who created one of the most trouble-free assault rifles of the 20th century and, without a doubt, it is the most common.

Kalashnikov is still in service with a huge number of states. It is depicted on the coats of arms of 4 states and the flag of Mozambique. Yes, new weapons are coming, but it is unlikely that anyone else will achieve such mass distribution as the AK.

Video

November 10, 2009 marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of Mikhail Kalashnikov, the creator of the most famous and reliable machine gun, which is used in various modifications in many countries of the world.

In 1943, a new 7.62 mm cartridge was created in the USSR, which received the designation "7.62 mm cartridge of the 1943 model." In terms of power and firing range, the new ammunition occupied a position between pistol and rifle cartridges. Soon, under the new cartridge, the development of a family of small arms began, which was supposed to replace Mosin rifles and PPSh submachine guns (Shpagin's submachine gun) and PPS (Sudaev submachine gun).

Work on a new class of weapons, designated in the West as " assault rifle”, and in the USSR as an “automatic”, several leading “rifle” design bureaus of the Soviet Union - Simonov, Degtyarev, Sudayev and others - began in 1944.

In 1945 the Main artillery control(GAU) of the Red Army (the main customer of small arms in the USSR) announced a competition for the creation of a new machine gun chambered for a rifle cartridge of the 1943 model. Among the main requirements were put forward the following: high accuracy of battle, limited weight and dimensions of the weapon, non-failure operation, survivability of parts, simplicity of the device of the future machine.

The design of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was much simpler and cheaper to manufacture compared to the Simonov self-loading carbine, which was the first to be chambered in 7.62 mm.

At the same time, on the basis of the AK, the RPK light machine gun (Kalashnikov light machine gun) was developed and put into service. Together with a single PK / PKS machine gun, similar in design, AK and RPK formed the basis of the small arms complex of the Soviet Army and.

In the 1950s, licenses for the production of AKs were transferred by the USSR to eighteen countries (mainly the Warsaw Pact allies). At the same time, eleven more states launched the production of AK without a license. The number of countries in which AK was produced without a license in small batches, and even more so handicraft, cannot be counted.

According to Rosoboronexport data for 2009, the licenses of all countries that received them earlier have already expired, however, production continues.

The production of AK clones is deployed in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Europe. According to very rough estimates, there are from 70 to 105 million copies of various modifications of Kalashnikov assault rifles in the world.

In 1974, a new modification of the AK, the AK-74, was developed. The weapon entered mass production in 1976. The main difference was the transition to a smaller caliber and a new massive muzzle barrel, which increased the accuracy and accuracy of fire when firing single shots and bursts.

In the late 1970s, a new model AK assault rifle chambered for 5.45 mm cartridge - AK-74M. The barrel and bolt were changed in it, a compensator was added to prevent the barrel from going up when firing.

It had a folding plastic butt, a special strap for attaching night sights, and it could also be equipped with an underbarrel grenade launcher.

Subsequently, two more variants of assault rifles were created on its basis - AK-101 and AK-103 for the caliber of 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridges.

Shortened AK-102, AK-103, AK-104, AK-105 assault rifles chambered for 5.56x45 mm NATO, 7.62x39 mm, 5.45x39 mm cartridges were also developed. The barrel length of the machine in comparison with the prototype was reduced to 314 mm. With reduced dimensions, it practically retained ballistic performance. The aiming range of these machine guns reached 500 m, the combat rate of fire was 40-100 rounds / min. The total length of the weapon was 824 mm, with the butt folded - 586 mm. Machine weight 3.2 kg. Magazine capacity 30 rounds.

On the basis of the Kalashnikov assault rifle, a number of samples of hunting weapons were also developed: the Saiga carbine chambered for 7.62-9.2 (expansive bullet) and 7.62-8 (shell bullet); smooth-bore self-loading guns: Saiga-310, Saiga-410s, Saiga-410K, Saiga-20, Saiga-20C, Saiga-20K, Saiga-12K, Saiga-308 and etc.; self-loading carbines "Vepr" and "Vepr-308"; sports and training gas-balloon Kalashnikov assault rifle.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle is currently in service with the armies and special forces of 106 countries of the world.

Several states have included the image of a Kalashnikov assault rifle in their symbols: Mozambique (coat of arms and flag, since 1975), Zimbabwe (coat of arms, since 1980), Burkina Faso (coat of arms, in 1984-1997).

In the summer of 2007, in Moscow and Izhevsk, FSUE Rosoboronexport, the Government of the Udmurt Republic and the Izhevsk Machine-Building Plant held large-scale celebrations in honor of the 60th anniversary of the creation of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle was included in the Guinness Book of Records - it and its modifications account for 15% of all small arms in the world, being the most common small arms.

AK took first place in the list of the most significant inventions of the XX century, according to the French magazine "Liberation", leaving behind atomic weapon and space technologies.

Tactical and technical characteristics of AK-47 assault rifles:

Caliber - 7.62 mm.

Applied cartridge - 7.62x39 mm,

Length - 870 mm,

Length with attached bayonet - 1070 mm,

Barrel length - 415 mm,

Magazine capacity - 30 rounds,

Weight without magazine and bayonet - 3.8 kg,

Weight with equipped magazine - 4.3 kg,

Effective firing range - 600 m,

Sighting range - 800 m,

The initial speed of the bullet - 715 m / s,

Driving mode - single / continuous,

Muzzle energy - 2019 j,

Rate of fire - 660 rds / min,

Rate of fire - 40-100 rds / min,

Range of a direct shot at a growth figure - 525 m,

Rifling - 4, right-handed, step 240.

The material was prepared on the basis of information from open sources

For firing from the AK-74 assault rifle, 5.45 mm 7n6 and 7n10 cartridges are used with ordinary (with a steel core), tracer and armor-piercing incendiary bullets.

Automatic or single fire is carried out from the machine gun. Automatic fire is the main type of automatic fire. It is conducted in short (up to 5 shots), long (up to 10 shots) bursts and continuously. The supply of cartridges during firing is made from a box magazine with a capacity of 30 rounds.

The most effective fire from the AK-74 assault rifle is carried out at a distance of up to 500 m.

Tactical and technical characteristics of akm and ak-74

The machine consists of the following main parts and mechanisms:

barrel with receiver, with sighting device, stock and pistol grip;

receiver covers;

bolt carrier with gas piston;

• return mechanism;

  gas tube with handguard;

  trigger mechanism;

• shop.

The main parts and mechanisms of the machine

AT machine kit includes:

accessories (ramrod and pencil case with accessories)

• shopping bag.

Affiliation

Belt and shopping bag

The automatic action of the AK-74 is based on the use of the energy of powder gases discharged from the bore to the gas piston of the bolt carrier.

Interaction of parts and mechanisms of the automaton.

When fired, part of the powder gases following the bullet rushes through the hole in the upper part of the barrel into the gas chamber, presses on the front wall of the gas piston and throws the piston and bolt carrier with the bolt into the rear position. When moving back, the bolt turns, unlocks and opens the bore, removes the sleeve from the chamber and throws it out, and the bolt frame compresses the return spring and cocks the trigger (puts it on the self-timer cocking).

The bolt frame with the bolt returns to the forward position under the action of the return mechanism, while the bolt sends the next cartridge from the magazine to the chamber and, turning, closes and locks the bore, and the bolt frame removes the protrusion (sear) of the self-timer from under the cocking of the self-timer trigger. The shutter is locked by turning it to the left and entering the lugs of the shutter into the cutouts receiver.

Appointment and arrangement of parts and mechanisms of the machine.

Trunk serves to direct the flight of the bullet. Inside the barrel has a channel with four rifling, winding from left to right.

Muzzle brake compensator serves to increase the accuracy of the battle when firing bursts from unstable positions (on the move, standing, kneeling), as well as to reduce the recoil energy.

Front sight base has an emphasis for a ramrod and a bayonet-knife handle, a hole for a front sight slider, a front sight guard and a latch with a spring.

Gas chamber serves to direct powder gases from the barrel to the gas piston of the bolt carrier.

sighting device serves to aim the machine when firing at targets at various distances. It consists of a sight and a front sight.

Stock and pistol grip serve for the convenience of automatic operation.

Coupling serves to attach the forearm to the machine. It has a forearm lock, a swivel for a belt and a hole for a ramrod.

Receiver serves to connect the parts and mechanisms of the machine, to ensure the closing of the bore with a bolt and locking the bolt; a trigger mechanism is placed in the receiver. From above it is closed with a lid.

receiver cover protects parts and mechanisms placed in the receiver from contamination.

Bolt carrier with gas piston serves to actuate the shutter and trigger mechanism.

Gate serves to send a cartridge into the chamber, close and lock the bore, break the primer and remove the cartridge case (cartridge) from the chamber. The shutter consists of a core, a drummer, an ejector with a spring and an axis, and a stud.

trigger mechanism serves to release the trigger from the combat cocking or cocking the self-timer, strike the striker, ensure automatic or single fire, stop firing, prevent shots when the shutter is unlocked and for setting the machine to safety.

trigger mechanism is placed in the receiver, where it is attached with three interchangeable axles, and consists of a trigger with a mainspring, a trigger retarder with a spring, a trigger, a single-fire sear with a spring, a self-timer with a spring and a translator.

Hammer with mainspring serve to strike a striker. The trigger is used to keep the trigger cocked and to release the trigger. The single-fire sear serves to hold the trigger in the rearmost position after firing, if the trigger was not released during single-fire firing.

Self-timer with spring serves to automatically release the trigger from the self-timer cocking when firing in bursts, as well as to prevent the trigger from being released when the bore and bolt are not closed. The translator is used to set the machine to automatic or single fire, as well as to set the fuse.

Return mechanism serves to return the bolt carrier with the bolt to the forward position. It consists of a return spring, a guide rod, a movable rod and a clutch.

Gas tube with handguard consists of a gas tube, front and rear couplings, a handguard and a metal half ring. The gas tube serves to guide the movement of the gas piston. The barrel pad serves to protect the submachine gunner's hands from burns when firing.

Score serves to place cartridges and feed them into the receiver. It consists of a body, a cover, a locking plate, a spring and a feeder.

Bayonet knife attaches to the machine gun before an attack and serves to defeat the enemy in hand-to-hand combat.

Sheath used to carry a bayonet-knife on the waist belt. In addition, they are used together with a bayonet-knife for cutting wire.

Affiliation serves for disassembly, assembly, cleaning and lubrication of the machine. Accessories include: a ramrod, a wipe, a brush, a screwdriver, a punch, a hairpin, a pencil case and an oiler.

Purpose, combat properties and general device of the PM.

The 9mm Makarov pistol is a personal offensive and defensive weapon designed to engage the enemy at short distances.

Is the most popular and sought after firearms in the world. It is in service in 50 countries around the world, has an estimated 70 million copies. For comparison, its closest competitor, the American one, has only 8 million copies and is in service in only 27 states. The popularity of the machine is ensured by its reliability, ease of maintenance, as well as firepower, which, for example, the AK-47 possesses. is about 715 m / s, which ensures such a high penetrating ability.

Muzzle velocity of the bullet

Certainly one of the most important characteristics firearms is the initial speed of the bullet - an indicator of movement at the muzzle of the barrel. It is determined empirically and occupies an intermediate value between the speed inside the barrel and the maximum. This indicator affects such characteristics of the machine as:

• bullet range;
• the maximum possible direct shot distance;
• lethal effect;
• bullet penetration;
• compensation for the influence of external factors on the flight path and performance characteristics.

In this regard, the engineer M. T. Kalashnikov was faced with the task of creating a high-quality AK-47, the bullet speed of which would reach the maximum possible values. To solve this problem, it was necessary to minimize the factors affecting the movement of the projectile inside the barrel and beyond.

The dependence of bullet speed on various factors

The muzzle velocity of the AK-47, like any other assault rifle, depends on three main factors:

1. Bullet characteristics.
2. stem indicators.
3. Powder charge properties.

Bullet - a small arms projectile, damaging factor and the flight range of which depend on the inertial characteristics of the body. In accordance with this, in order to increase the performance characteristics of an element, designers first of all seek to reduce its weight. This allows us to solve two problems: to minimize the effect of gravity and to maintain a more or less direct flight path, to increase the accuracy of the shot.

But you can increase the speed of the AK-47 bullet and any other weapon not only by increasing the mass of the projectile, but also by lengthening the barrel. The longer the channel, the more time the combustible powder gases act on the projectile, which accelerate it.

Powder charge characteristics

The characteristics of the powder charge have a decisive influence on the speed of the AK-47 bullet. The first thing to do to increase the penetration ability of the projectile is to increase the volume of the powder charge. The larger it is, the more gases are formed during combustion, which increases the compression inside the barrel. At the same time, one should not overdo it so that the powder, when ignited, does not blow up the machine gun.

In the AK-47, the speed of the bullet also depends on the size and shape of the powder grains. powder is selected accordingly. Also, in order to increase the performance characteristics of firearms, it is necessary to take into account factors environment when shooting:

1. Humidity. The higher it is, the "wetter" the gunpowder, which causes it to flare up more time, reducing the pressure in the barrel.
2. Temperature. With an increase in temperature, the ignition period of the charge decreases, which increases the compression properties of gases and the range / speed of the bullet.

The length of the barrel and the weight of the powder charge are selected in the Kalashnikov assault rifle so that they provide the maximum penetration ability of the projectile and its other performance characteristics.

Principle of operation

No one will be surprised if he learns that the speed of the AK-47 bullet also depends on the machine itself. To start shooting, you need to get the projectile into the chamber. To do this, the bolt mechanism is pulled back, which hooks the cartridge on the way back and sends it to the place intended for it.

After pressing the trigger, the drummer pierces the primer - a small cap with a flammable substance that ignites the gunpowder. The resulting gases begin to put pressure on the cartridge, moving it along the barrel. The sleeve occupies the entire diameter of the channel, preventing the pressure from dropping.

Almost at the very end of the barrel channel there is a gas outlet. As soon as the bullet passes it, the gas through a special tube begins to put pressure on the piston, thereby retracting the shutter, which sends the next projectile into the chamber. Thus, a continuous circulation of powder gases in the machine is achieved. This ensures the maximum initial speed of the bullet and the rate of fire of the weapon.

Summing up

Thus, in the AK-47, the speed of a bullet depends on several components: the length of the barrel, the parameters of the cartridge, the indicators of the powder charge and the mechanism that fires. Only M. T. Kalashnikov managed to achieve a rational combination of these characteristics in his creation, thanks to which his brainchild became the most popular, reliable and sought-after firearms in the world.

The Kalashnikov assault rifle is the most widespread automatic weapon in the world. Despite the fact that the first samples of these weapons were adopted in the post-war years, the AK 47 and its modifications are still used in the Russian army as the main weapon.

How did the first Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-47

There are many legends about the Kalashnikov assault rifle, most of which say that the device of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was invented by its author from scratch. Few people know that the development of the AK 47 began after the capture of a rare model German carbine MKb.42(H).

At the end of 1942, the Soviet command was concerned with the creation of automatic weapons capable of firing at a distance of about 400 meters. The Shpagin submachine guns (PPSh), popular at that time, did not allow effective fire at such distances. The captured German MKb.42(H) rifles were forced to urgently engage in their own development of weapons for caliber 7.62. The second model for study was the American M1 carbine.

The development of a new model began with solving the problem of manufacturing new cartridges with a caliber of 7.62 × 39. Cartridges of this type were developed by Soviet designers Semin and Elizarov. As a result of research, it was decided to create cartridges of less power than rifle cartridges, since at distances of about 400 meters cartridges for carbines were too powerful, and their production was quite expensive. Although other calibers were also announced during development, 7.62 × 39 was recognized as the optimal type of cartridge for the new weapon.

Having created cartridges, the military command began work on the creation of new weapons. Developments began to be carried out in three directions:

1. Machine;
2. Automatic rifle;
3. Carbine with manual reloading.

The story goes that the developments were carried out for two years, after which it was decided to choose an automatic machine designed by Sudarev for further improvements. Despite the fact that this machine had quite impressive performance characteristics, its weight was too large, which made it difficult to conduct a dynamic battle. The modified machine was tested in 1945, but its weight was still too large. A year later, repeated tests were scheduled, where the first one appeared. prototype machine gun, which was developed by a young sergeant Kalashnikov.

The scheme and purpose of the parts of the Kalashnikov AK-47

Before starting the review different models AK, you should disassemble the purpose of each part of the machine.

1. Barrel - designed to set the direction of the bullet, equipped with a thread (that's why the weapon is called rifled), the caliber depends on its diameter;
2. Receiver box - serves to connect the mechanisms of the machine into one;
3. Receiver cover - serves to protect against dirt and dust;
4. Front sight and sight;
5. Butt - its purpose is to ensure convenient shooting;
6. shutter frame;
7. Gate;
8. return mechanism;
9. The fore-end is its purpose in protecting the shooter's hands from burns. It also provides a more comfortable grip of the weapon;
10. Score;
11. Bayonet knife (not found on early copies of AK).

All machines have a similar design, parts of different models may look different from each other.

Kalashnikov assault rifle model 1946

Kalashnikov developed his first model of a submachine gun during treatment in the hospital, after which he decided to connect his life with the design of weapons. After being discharged from the hospital, the young designer was sent for further service to the small arms test site, where in 1944 he showed his new experimental model of an automatic carbine, the dimensions and main parts of which resembled American model M1 Garand carbine.

When a competition for an assault rifle was announced, Kalashnikov joined it with a project for the AK 46 model. This project was approved and, along with other projects, sent to the Kovrov plant for the manufacture of prototypes.

Specifications AK 46

Parts and mechanisms of the Kalashnikov assault rifle of the 1946 model had fundamental differences from all serial models known at that time. Soviet weapons. He had a separate fire mode switch, a split receiver and a rotary bolt.

In the competition for the best assault rifle, which took place in December 1946, the AK 46 lost to its competitors AB-46 and AB. The production of the Kalashnikov assault rifle was deemed inappropriate and was removed from testing.

Despite the fact that later modifications of the Kalashnikov assault rifle are considered a model of reliability and ease of operation, the AK 46 did not have these characteristics and was a rather capricious and complex weapon.

Creation of AK 47

Kalashnikov, thanks to the support of some members of the commission with whom he served at the shooting range, managed to get a review of the decision and get permission to carry out further improvements to his machine gun. As a result of further improvements, using the help of designer Zaitsev, and copying the most successful solutions from the design of its main competitor, the Bulkin assault rifle (AB), the AK 47 was created, which was more structurally similar not to the AK 46, but to the AB.

It is worth clarifying that copying the solutions of other designers should not be considered plagiarism, since in order to make all these solutions work flawlessly in conjunction, a lot of design work is needed. No one accuses the Japanese of plagiarism, although all Japanese technology is the result of the same copying of the best world developments, followed by honing them to perfection.

The history of the AK 47 begins in January 1947. It was at this time that the combat model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle won the competition and was selected for mass production. The first batch of AK 47 was assembled in the second half of 1948, and at the end of 1949 the AK 47 was adopted by the USSR army.

Despite the simplicity of the design, the AK 47 had one big drawback - the shot of the Kalashnikov assault rifle did not have sufficient accuracy, although the caliber of the cartridge and its power had sufficient lethal force.

Serial production of the first years was quite problematic. Due to problems in assembling the receiver (which was assembled from a stamped body and a milled liner), the reject rate was huge. In order to eliminate this problem, it was necessary to make the receiver one-piece, from one forging, using the milling method. Although this increased the price of the machine, but a sharp decrease in marriage made it possible to save quite a bit. a large sum. Already in 1951, all new machines were supplied with a one-piece receiver. Until 1959, significant changes were made to the design of the AK 47, lightweight models were produced for various purposes. In 1959, the modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM) replaced the AK 47.

The performance characteristics of the AK-47, how much the Kalashnikov assault rifle weighs

AK 47 has the following characteristics:

• The caliber is 7.62 mm;
• Length 870mm, (with bayonet 1070mm);
• The AK 47 magazine holds 30 rounds of 7.62x39 cartridges;
• The total mass of the machine with a bayonet and a full magazine is 5.09 kg;
• The rate of fire is 660 rounds per minute;
• Shot range - 525 meters.

As for the weight of the AK 47 without a bayonet and with an empty magazine, it is 4.07 kg, with a full magazine - 4.7 kg.

Modernized Kalashnikov assault rifle (AKM)

In 1959, new modernized assault rifles began to be produced to replace the AK 47. The number of innovations was so significant that it made it possible to talk not about the next revision, but about the creation of a new model of the machine. The AKM even outwardly differs from the AK 47. The barrel of the machine gun was equipped with a muzzle compensator, and the surface of the magazine was ribbed. The butt of the machine was installed at a smaller angle.

Many design innovations in AKM were borrowed from the best world and Soviet models of those years. For example, the striker and trigger are completely copied from the Czech Cholek rifle, the safety lever in the form of a shutter window cover is from the Remington 8. Much was also borrowed from the Soviet AS 44 assault rifle.

Bayonet-knife of the Kalashnikov assault rifle AK-47

The history of the knife bayonet has its roots in rifle bayonets. Wanting to create a more advanced model of weapons, Kalashnikov once again used someone else's to create a knife on its basis, which had a universal purpose, which could simultaneously act as a bayonet and serve as a household knife. He succeeded brilliantly, the bayonet knife was able to displace HP 40. All bayonet knives can be divided into three groups:

1. Bayonet knife 6X2, early model, which is very similar to rifle bayonets and HP 40;
2. Bayonet knife of the 1959 model, it is based on the knife of marine reconnaissance scuba divers;
3. Bayonet knife model 1974.

The history of the development of bayonets is inextricably linked with the emergence of new models of the Kalashnikov assault rifle.

1974 Kalashnikov assault rifle (AK 74)

In 1974, a 5.45 mm rifle complex was adopted, which consisted of the new AK 74 and RPK 74. The USSR began to use small-caliber cartridges following the example of the United States, which had long since switched to this caliber. Such a decrease in caliber made it possible to reduce the mass of cartridges by one and a half times. The overall accuracy of fire has increased, since the bullet now flew with a greater initial speed, increased flight range by 100 meters. The drawings of the new Kalashnikov assault rifle were developed by the best designers of Izhmash, TsNIItochmash, and the Kovrov Mechanical Plant.

The new model of the machine gun used the following cartridges:

• 7N6 (1974, whose bullet had a steel core in a lead shirt);
• 7N10 (1992, enhanced penetration bullet);
• 7U1 (silent bullet);
• 7N22 (armored bullet 1998);
• 7N24 (bullet with increased accuracy).

The AK 74 was originally produced in four versions, later the AK-74M was added to it. The latter option could replace all four variants of the AK 74, and could be equipped with an underbarrel grenade launcher.

Common misconceptions about Kalashnikov assault rifles

Kalashnikov assault rifles, despite the huge variety of types of automatic weapons in the world, are the most popular. Undoubtedly, this fame is rightfully deserved by them, but at the same time there are many legends that go around even among professional military men.

1. The first legend says that the AK 47 is a complete copy german rifle Sturmgever. Although samples of German weapons were used in the development of the AK, the Bulkin assault rifle served as the basis for the AK 47. The first Kalashnikov assault rifle was more like german weapons. The design genius of Kalashnikov lies precisely in the fact that he was able to combine the most successful technical solutions of different models in one machine gun. For decades, the designer has tracked all the improvements in various models of machines around the world, and finalized his own, taking into account new trends;
2. The second misconception says that the Kalashnikov assault rifle entered service with the army in 1947. Many models of weapons, which have the designation of the year of manufacture of the first model in their name, enter service only after a few years. Once weapons are adopted, they must be produced in large batches before being sent to the army. It takes more than one month. Thus, two years have passed since the adoption of the AK 47 for service and before its appearance in the army. The first batch of Kalashnikov assault rifles was recorded in the army only in 1949. Some residents are sure that AKs were already at the end of the war and took part in the hostilities of that time. In fact, for the first time, Kalashnikov assault rifles took part in hostilities only in 1956. Ordinary citizens of the USSR saw these machines in the film "Maxim Perepelitsa", which was released a year earlier;
3. The reliability of the design and ease of assembly of the AK really became a household name, but the machine began to possess these characteristics only from 1959, when it was already called AKM. The AK 47 was expensive to manufacture and rather difficult to assemble. During production, there was a huge amount of marriage. Only after numerous upgrades, the main of which was the creation of a new AKM model, did the machine really become the standard of reliability;
4. The release of AK went in huge batches. In fact, due to the difficulty of producing AK 47s, there was a huge shortage of them in the army. Many soldiers were armed with rifles. Only the modernization of the receiver made it possible to simplify the assembly and quickly saturate the army with machine guns;
5. Each new AK model surpassed the previous one in everything. This is practically true, only in one AK 74 it surpasses the later AKM: a silencer is easily installed on the AK 74, so in the Airborne Forces it still serves as the main weapon for silent operations;
6. The Kalashnikov assault rifle is a unique model that has no analogues. In fact, the USSR provided military aid to any state willing to take the “bright road to socialism” and generously shared weapons and drawings for them with them, therefore only the most backward countries did not begin to produce their copies of AK. This circumstance, years later, significantly undermined the monopoly of the USSR. There was at least one assault rifle that was very similar to the AK, but made independently of it. This is the Cermak CZ SA Vz.58 assault rifle, which was put into service in 1958;
7. AKS74U is the best assault rifle, as it is used by paratroopers. In fact, this model is designed for tankers, gunners and other similar units that are not infantry, so using a short machine gun is a great option for them.

In 1982-83, a huge number of AKS74Us were transferred to units of the Airborne Forces, which were sent to Afghanistan. It was here that all the shortcomings of the weapon appeared, which was unable to conduct a long and many hours of battle. In 1989, when the war ended, the AKS74U were withdrawn from service and subsequently used only in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, where they can still be seen today. By the way, there is a curious fact about this model - AKS74U was produced in Tula and was the only model of the Kalashnikov assault rifle that was not produced in Izhevsk.

Currently, any civilian, having received a hunter's certificate and permission to acquire rifled weapons, can purchase a hunting version of the AK called "Saiga". A novice hunter can purchase a smooth-bore modification of the saiga.

AK has become the most popular assault rifle, shooting in all corners the globe.

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